Conduct Better Interviews to Make Better Hires
Most of my business is devoted to helping job seekers manage their careers. A large part of this is imparting to them the importance of honing their interview skills and preparing for interviews. My clients put in the work, but from what they tell me, that effort is often not reciprocated by the other side. The stories I hear range from truly bizarre interviewer behavior to blatantly illegal questions, and everything in between.
Often unstructured, rushed, misaligned, and inaccurate, the interview has seen little in the way of transformation. And given how important having the right talent is for business success, it’s vital that organizations pay greater attention to this process. One of the most effective approaches? Providing comprehensive interviewer training for both recruiters and hiring managers.
With the right instruction, interviewers can be enabled to make the best hiring decisions. And the results are well worth the effort. Such training improves the candidate experience, reduces both explicit and implicit bias, and saves money. Some additional benefits include the following:
Everyone in the process is unified in their approach.
Questions can be standardized and elevated across the board.
Candidates can be assessed quickly and objectively.
Pools of qualified interviewers increase.
Best practice techniques are used throughout the process.
Candidate engagement rises.
According to a report from PwC, almost half of candidates will turn down a job offer after having a negative recruiting experience. In a world of social media and Glassdoor reviews, you simply can’t afford any slip-ups, and the interview can be a veritable minefield if not handled with care and professionalism. Skilled interviewers create a positive impression of the organization, leaving candidates with a favorable view, regardless of outcome.
Interview Training Drives Positive Results for Everyone in the Process
Training hiring managers on interviewing techniques provides advantages to everyone involved in the process.
Consistency. Well-trained interviewers learn how to conduct interviews professionally, ensuring all candidates are treated with respect and understand the process as they move through it.
Effective communication. Interviewer training teaches panelists techniques to ask clear, relevant questions and follow-ups. This improves the overall flow and helps candidates to feel comfortable.
Structure. Rather than free-for-all Q&As, seasoned interviews are structured so that candidates and hiring managers can have a meaningful dialogue.
The Bottom Line
Interviewing job candidates is a dynamic process where preparation, empathy, and objectivity intertwine. By approaching interviews with diligence and respect, organizations can identify not only the most qualified individuals but also those who will thrive and contribute to a vibrant workplace culture—ultimately, mastering the art of interviewing benefits both employers and candidates, fostering mutual growth and lasting success.